A BOOK OF MAPS FOR YOU

A small community is lovingly mapped.

“I made a book of maps,” says an unseen narrator. First, readers glimpse the map of a town, then one of a specific street. The narrator presents maps of a school, a library, and an art supply store. Along the way, readers learn about the kindly, diverse people who inhabit this idyllic neighborhood. There’s even a map of “our house,” with special attention drawn to the leaky bathroom sink and the pipes that “sound like a ghost” and a suggestion “to put your bed under the skylight for the best view of the stars.” Then, all at once, everything in the book is turned entirely on its head as the narrator reveals that these maps are “for you…so you’ll find your way in your new home.” Clever kids will realize that the person who made the book is moving away from all these beloved people and places yet still wants to help the next resident feel truly at home. A wide variety of maps are presented from different angles, offering readers inspiration for creating their own (aerial views, street maps, mazes, etc.). Eaton’s cartoon artwork deftly homes in on humorous details, then steps back for a concluding shot of a youngster reading this book, seen from behind, bringing this original take on moving to a simple yet touching finale.

A bittersweet tribute that makes a poignant connection between maps and the concept of home.